What's the standard for reasonably cheap tent guy line material? I've got a lot of paracord, but that seems like overkill for a small tent (and I dont want to chop it up in to 6 foot pieces, ideally). I'm looking at this braided nylon mason cord that a few camping sites have suggested. Indications are that breaking strength is 150lbs, which seems good.

It's a little stretchy which is good for this application. Your 150 pound line might be strong enough if it's in perfect condition, but what if it weakens due to UV or rubbing on rebar? Paracord can take a lot of punishment before it gets too weak to hold your tent down.

All the mason's twine I've used has been pretty strong but still seems more like string than rope.

maladroit wrote:Aww just cut up your paracord, it lives to be used and is cheap.

It's a little stretchy which is good for this application. Your 150 pound line might be strong enough if it's in perfect condition, but what if it weakens due to UV or rubbing on rebar? Paracord can take a lot of punishment before it gets too weak to hold your tent down.

All the mason's twine I've used has been pretty strong but still seems more like string than rope.

Yeahhhhhhh, my friend said the same: "just cut up one of your four, 100 foot long pieces of paracord". Bah! I was concerned with how thin the mason cord is, that's for sure. Spose i'll just slice it up. I'm bringing enough crap as it is.

"just two indecisive cowboys, trying to play a word game." - piehole"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly

Nothing is really stronger than paracord at the same price point. You'd look for something else only if you need better than 550 pounds or need something stiff (not stretchy). Ratchet straps or steel cable.

MacGlenver wrote:What's the standard for reasonably cheap tent guy line material? I've got a lot of paracord, but that seems like overkill for a small tent (and I dont want to chop it up in to 6 foot pieces, ideally). I'm looking at this braided nylon mason cord that a few camping sites have suggested. Indications are that breaking strength is 150lbs, which seems good.

That means a drunk tripping on it might break it. Okay for some repairs, though.

I like the chains, though they may not pack too well in my luggage from Atlanta .

If anyone's interested, I did buy a spool of the braided nylon mason's twine (neon yellow) from home depot. It was about $5 for 250 feet. It's about 2mm thick. I tried pulling it apart as hard as I could with my hands and I could not break it (and I'm fairly strong). That stuff is strong, though I'm sure I could break it if i tied it to something and pulled with both hands/shoulders. I'll definitely find a use for it out there. Paracord will be my primary for tent guying, though.

"just two indecisive cowboys, trying to play a word game." - piehole"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly

MacGlenver wrote:I tried pulling it apart as hard as I could with my hands and I could not break it

I'm no engineer, but I believe the breaking strength is higher when you just pull it. The rope, cord, etc really becomes compromised at the attachment point because it is wrapped around something. Just something to file away in the back of your mind...

MacGlenver wrote:I tried pulling it apart as hard as I could with my hands and I could not break it

I'm no engineer, but I believe the breaking strength is higher when you just pull it. The rope, cord, etc really becomes compromised at the attachment point because it is wrapped around something. Just something to file away in the back of your mind...

Ah, a good thought. Suppose it may depend on the knot/attachment method used. Given that I don't know either, just another reason to go safe and use paracord for most stuff. My tent not blowing away will be worth the extra few bucks i suppose .

"just two indecisive cowboys, trying to play a word game." - piehole"Just apply intelligence and discretion and you should be able to get away with just about anything." - Ugly Dougly